“A British War Bride Passes Away at 92”

Elizabeth -“Betty”- Helen Newman Gunn 1924 -2016

It is with sadness that the family of Elizabeth Gunn announces her passing in Shoreham Village, Chester, on Sunday February 7th. Elizabeth “ Betty” Gunn was born in London, England in 1924. She was an avid member of the Girl Guides in her youth. During the war years she worked as a secretary at “The War Office” on Downing Street. As a result of the bombing raids on London, Elizabeth along with her parents was forced to move four times ; their different homes were destroyed by rocket bombs. Betty's father being an inspector with Scotland Yard was needed in London and as a result the whole family stayed as a duty in the war effort. It was in London that in 1945 Betty met her husband- to-be, a Canadian soldier PAA Gunn. Betty came to Canada in 1946, living in East River St. Mary's on the Gunn family homestead and then moved with her family to Pictou where she resided until the mid 1980s. Betty will be remembered in Pictou as the owner of two fine stores “The Sampler” and “Kilmarnock House”. Elizabeth was a major force on the Nova Scotia Housing Commission and was instrumental in new housing developments in Pictou County. She was involved in the Pictou Figure Skatiing Club and the Village Flair sewing group. Betty was an avid gardner at her summer

We understood that there is to be a memorial service for Betty; hope it will soon be posted.

I remember Betty fondly when she was in Pictou ; she was always interested in other people and took part in many local activities. We had many good times together and she enjoyed her grandchildren very much. She made beautiful things for them and they looked forward to seeing her. She is missed and will hold a place in our hearts.